Breaking down the two Solano County Supervisor candidates

Neither one of them ring loud bells. Some even say it is the "choice between two evils." But that's a bit harsh. So if you believe in the greater good, let's give both souls the benefit of the doubt. However, it takes hard thought and analysis to understand the two people running for Solano County Supervisor-District 1. Neither candidate is particularly bellicose, and indeed they agree on many issues. But there are differences.

Any minute now we expect to see a large monument erected at the south end of Mare Island. On it you will find the inscription (similar to that of the Statue of Liberty) "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, those yearning to be free ... Send these, the homeless, the wretched ..." That is the legacy that has been left to us from past city councils. We continue to hope for new growth, new change because we are in a bankrupt city with many tired bankrupt residents, some taken to drugs, a multitude of homeless, myriad parolees (longing to be free) and squatters. So let's examine some history regarding the two candidates for supervisor because memory is sometimes short.

* Tony Intintoli: It has been well documented that back in the 1980s Intintoli fought against the Vallejo Ferry. Five women went down to the boarding docks every day at 5 a.m. to lobby to help save the ferry. Stalwart souls were they!

And then we have the issue of his giving the city's employees a two-year retro payment for benefits.

And let's not forget that Intintoli increased the HUD housing contract for the 201 Maine St. housing project, which is one of the most crime-ridden havens of impoverished housing developments in this city. He lobbied to increase this contract for yet another 25 years. Rest assured that this act alone did wonders to help depreciate historic downtown.

To top off the cake, Mr. Intintoli openly lobbied for the Liquid Natural Gas Plant to be placed on the south end of Mare Island. Because of public outcry, said project was beaten back by a grass roots effort, much to the chagrin of the Bechtel corporation and Intintoli. Once force was under way, he withdrew his support for said project. Furthermore, he agreed to give much of Mare Island to Lennar corporation. And after many years of financial suffering, Lennar did not make good on its promise to bring multiple businesses to the island.

On the positive side, Mr. Intintoli plays the accordion well, and often volunteers to do so. He hugs most everybody he knows, and he looks like a doting grandfather with whom you might enjoy a private tea in Central Park South. As a longtime Vallejo school teacher, Intintoli has been a strong advocate of education over his 30-plus years in politics. Yet our Vallejo schools now enjoy a 48 percent dropout rate, as opposed to the much stronger reputation they enjoyed many years ago. Former Mayor Intintoli has also been a champion of children's programs, and continues to advocate for more social welfare, particularly for children and parolees. But what has he done to bring more jobs?

* Erin Hannigan: People have said they are disenchanted with current Vallejo City Councilmember Erin Hannigan in that she is so quickly running for supervisor, having recently won another four years on the council. And while on the council, Hannigan (along with Osby Davis and three others) gave the public safety unions a 6.29 percent raise during Vallejo's bankruptcy. Hannigan stated that she was "afraid that many more police officers would leave during the bankruptcy if they were not paid more money." Hannigan also refused to back a new landscape ordinance which would have greatly improved the quality of life and the image of Vallejo. She also claims to have brought State Farm Insurance Co. here when in fact it took a consortium of people. Furthermore, she is often perceived as imperious and arrogant, and is frequently accused of condescending, dismissive behavior. As far as we know, she does not play a musical instrument.

But on a brighter note, Hannigan has increased accountability at the very housing project that Intintoli had originally championed. Hannigan pushed hard for new management and accountability of this project known as Marina Vista apartments at 201 Maine St. She put pressure on the city and on the police to mandate better management, and better patrol of this property respectively. (Sadly, under past councils this housing went from fair market housing in the 1970s to the impoverished cluster it is today.)

In addition, Hannigan created a property nuisance ordinance -- although it has not yet been ratified. She has also worked to get large trucks off city streets, thus decreasing noise levels. Hannigan too has worked with the school district in hopes of making its violent climate a better environment for students. Unlike Intintoli, Hannigan has received strong backing from unions, and the Solano County Deputy Sheriffs. She openly advocates for more jobs (union or not), and decreased unemployment. Although Hannigan seems to champion education, she does not pin continual hope for its success on additional social welfare, but rather advocates hard work. "Give a hand up, not a hand out," she said.

When we look at national politics, pollsters send out questions on candidate liability. A person who appears grandfatherly and hugs other people might seem more likable, as opposed to a person who stands tall and offers the professional, conventional firm handshake. But critical thinkers do not allow this type of influence to alter their thinking. Intintoli has had 35 years to right the ship. Some say he has shown reckless leadership. Hannigan, who albeit at times seems dismissive, has had five years to help make a difference. This is a generic overview of two complex individuals.

But unless you live in District 1 within the City of Vallejo, it doesn't really matter. You will still see both people around town, and the hugs and handshake will be the same. Or will they?